This article attempts to highlight some of the best and worst matchups for wide receivers and tight ends each week. Using player tracking data from various sources (NFL.com, Pro Football Focus, ESPN, etc.) as well as reviews of recent trends, I look for situations to exploit or avoid when setting your weekly lineups. Given that this article is intended to help across all sites (both DFS and season-long), variations in pricing and scoring systems are not taken into account. Obviously, the values could shift depending on where you are playing. The main intent of this article is simply to call out some players who could be significantly helped or hurt by their situations each week.
Favorable Matchups
WR Michael Pittman (IND vs MIN) vs Patrick Peterson
Despite the issues at quarterback, the entire Colts’ receiving group should be upgraded this week. The Vikings have allowed the second-most fantasy points to perimeter receivers and to receivers as a whole, including the most over the past two months. They are coming off a game where they allowed nearly 70 fantasy points to the Lions’ receivers. The return of Harrison Smith should help a little, but it should be all systems go for Pittman this week against the Vikings’ secondary. Parris Campbell also becomes a sleeper/flex option in what should be a great matchup for Colts’ receivers.
WR Zay Jones (JAX vs DAL) vs Kelvin Joseph
The Dallas defense looked flawed against Houston last week, and a large reason behind that was Joseph. Dallas has devoted more safety help to Trevon Diggs to try to limit the big plays, and that has allowed Joseph to be burned for 0.69 fantasy points per coverage snap this season. Jones has come into his own over the past few weeks and has become a favorite target of Trevor Lawrence. With Marvin Jones and Christian Kirk to contend with, Jones should continue to see a lot of single coverage. Look for this area to be attacked often this week and for Jones to continue his hot streak.
WR Mike Williams (LAC vs TEN) vs Tre Avery
Williams has come back and provided a spark for the Chargers offense. He has instantly provided a big body on the outside for Justin Herbert to throw the ball to, and it appears as if the trust never left during the injury. Williams also will benefit from taking on a Titans’ secondary that has struggled this season. Avery is currently allowing 0.53 fantasy points per coverage snap and has been targeted 28% of the time. Both players line up all over the field, and we could see several potential matchups, but Williams vs Avery should go advantage Williams on almost every play.
WR Terry McLaurin (WAS vs NYG) vs Fabian Moreau
Moreau shadowed McLaurin earlier this season and did not have any success. The former Ohio State receiver had 8 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown, with Moreau covering 40 of 43 routes. There is a chance the Giants will alter their game plan and go with a more traditional coverage package, but both Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson had double-digit fantasy points in their previous meeting. The Giants’ defense has slipped in the second half of the season, and McLaurin is poised for another big game.
WR CeeDee Lamb (DAL vs JAX) vs Tre Herndon
Lamb may have disappointed last week, but he will get an instant opportunity to turn things around against Jacksonville. The Jaguars are currently allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing slot receivers, and Lamb lines up in that position over 60% of the time. Look for Lamb to create separation in the middle of the field and bounce back quickly this week.
TE Dalton Schultz (DAL vas JAX)
Schultz continues to be a favorite target of Dak Prescott, and he is walking into a great matchup against Jacksonville. They have allowed double-digit fantasy points to 9 different tight ends, including Chigoziem Okonkwo and Austin Hooper, in the past two weeks. Jacksonville has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends over the past two weeks. Schultz has been inconsistent but is walking into a great matchup this week.
TE Greg Dulchch (DEN vs ARZ)
Dulchich had one of his best games last week against the Chiefs and is walking into the best tight end matchup in the league against Arizona. The Cardinals have allowed double-digit fantasy points to tight ends 11 times so far this season and should see their offense off the field quickly against that Denver defense. There is a risk with Dulcich but the potential for a high return in a great matchup.
Unfavorable MatchupS
WR DeAndre Hopkins (ARZ vs DEN) vs Patrick Surtain
The loss of Kyler Murray is not the only thing working against Hopkins this week. The Broncos defense is currently allowing the second-fewest points to opposing receivers as well as the second-fewest to perimeter receivers. Surtain has been one of the best corners in the league this year and has shadowed the likes of Davante Adams, DK Metcalf, Christian Kirk, and Mike Williams. He had one poor showing against Adams but is a large reason why the Broncos’ defense has kept them in so many games. Hopkins lines up all over the field and could escape Surtain’s coverage in the slot, but this is going to be a tougher matchup than usual for the star receiver.
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